The South African government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable citizens by maintaining the scheduled social grant increases for 2025/26 in the re-tabled Budget 3.0, despite fiscal pressures. According to the National Treasury’s 2025 Budget Overview, the new budget does not reverse or reduce the planned increases, and an additional R1.6 billion has been allocated to bolster the overall social grants programme.
This decision ensures that millions of grant beneficiaries – excluding recipients of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant – will receive their scheduled increases. The total number of beneficiaries is projected to grow to 19.3 million people by March 2028, reflecting the continued expansion of South Africa’s social safety net.
Confirmed 2025/26 Social Grant Increases
The grant increases across various categories will take effect during the new financial year:
- Old Age Grant: Increases from R2,185 to R2,315
- War Veterans Grant: Increases from R2,205 to R2,335
- Disability Grant: Increases from R2,185 to R2,315
- Foster Care Grant: Increases from R1,180 to R1,250
- Care Dependency Grant: Increases from R2,185 to R2,315
- Child Support Grant: Increases from R530 to R560
- Grant-in-Aid: Increases from R530 to R560
These increases are aimed at helping households cope with the rising cost of living, including food prices, utilities, and healthcare costs. The Treasury notes that the increases are vital to maintaining the purchasing power of grants and ensuring that recipients can meet basic needs.
SRD Grant Extended with R35.2 Billion Allocation
Although the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant—originally introduced as a temporary COVID-19 relief measure—will not see an increase, the government has confirmed its extension until March 31, 2026. The SRD grant remains at R370 per month per beneficiary, and a total of R35.2 billion has been set aside to fund both payouts and administrative operations.
The SRD grant continues to serve as a lifeline to millions of unemployed individuals who do not qualify for other forms of social assistance.
Government Exploring Job-Seeker Support
Delivering the Budget Speech in Parliament, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana emphasized the government’s broader strategy to integrate social assistance with economic participation. He revealed that work is underway to explore a job-seeker allowance and other employment-linked social programmes as part of the review of Active Labour Market Programmes (ALMPs).
“Our goal is to not only provide immediate relief,” said Godongwana. “We also aim to create pathways to employment, empowering our citizens to build better futures for themselves and their families.”
Godongwana added that more targeted efforts will be made to link SRD grant recipients to work opportunities and training programmes, highlighting that social welfare must be seen not only as a safety net but also as a springboard to economic inclusion.
Social Welfare Spending Remains a Priority
Despite tough economic conditions and budgetary constraints, Budget 3.0 reaffirms the state’s continued focus on poverty alleviation and income support. By protecting the 2025 grant increases and extending the SRD grant, the government is prioritising social protection while slowly introducing reforms aimed at linking beneficiaries to economic activity.